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    Category: Outdoor Countertops

    Countertop Options for Your Outdoor Kitchen

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    With summer right around the corner, you may be looking to upgrade your outdoor space. An outdoor kitchen can be the perfect spot for entertaining, enjoying, and having fun. When remodeling or installing an outdoor kitchen area, consider a few key factors when selecting your countertop material. Not all countertops are created equal, and many of them are not suitable for withstanding the outdoor elements. We’ve broken down the pros and cons of different countertop materials so you can narrow down your options and make the best decision for your outdoor space.

    What Factors to Consider

    When selecting a countertop for your outdoor kitchen, several factors should be considered before making a decision. Consider the weather conditions in your area. You will want a durable countertop that can withstand every season without fading or cracking. You should also consider the different functions of each material. Some materials are more visually appealing but may not last as long as you’d like. Other materials may be less expensive but are prone to scratches and stains. It’s essential to understand the differences in countertop materials so you can select the one that best suits your needs.

    We’ve put together a list of the top recommended outdoor countertop options, along with their pros and cons, so you can decide which material is right for your outdoor space!

    Granite is a popular and appealing outdoor countertop material. It comes in a variety of colors, allowing it to blend seamlessly with your outdoor space. You’ll also appreciate that granite is extremely low maintenance and easy to clean, so you don’t have to worry about every little spill or stain as long as your countertop is sealed correctly.

    PROS:

      • Granite is highly resilient and resists scratches and dings.
      • Granite withstands outdoor elements well.

    CONS:

      • Granite absorbs heat and can get extremely hot.
      • Granite is porous and will absorb liquids and stains if not properly sealed.

    Soapstone is a sleek outdoor countertop option that requires minimal maintenance. Soapstone is also very resistant to heat and absorbs it evenly, so you don’t have to worry about your countertop choice in extreme temperatures. With soapstone, you can trust that your countertop will last for years in the NC weather without fading.

    PROS:

      • Soapstone is non-porous and stain-resistant, making it extremely easy to keep clean.
      • Soapstone can also withstand acidic foods such as tomatoes, which is a plus for those in the market for an outside kitchen prep space.

    CONS:

      • Soapstone is softer than other materials, making it prone to chips and scratches.
      • Soapstone is only available in a limited number of color options.

    Dekton is a timeless material choice that is extremely low-maintenance and comes in a wide range of colors and finishes. Dekton countertops will not fade or degrade due to their high UV light resistance. Because it is manmade, Dekton is an extremely versatile material, making it a great outdoor countertop choice.

    PROS:

      • Dekton has a high scratch and stain resistance and is extremely durable and long-lasting.
      • Dekton can withstand extreme temperatures, making it the perfect material for an outdoor countertop.

    CONS:

      • Dekton is more expensive than other materials due to its durability.
      • Dekton countertops have limited pattern and texture options which may limit design choices.

    What to Avoid

    Depending on your wants and needs for your outdoor kitchen space, there are many great material options to choose from. There are also materials to avoid, including quartz, laminates, and certain types of wood. These materials are composed of ingredients that do not withstand outdoor environments well, either breaking down, fading due to UV damage, or rotting in wet conditions. These materials are better suited for indoor areas where they are protected from the elements.

    At C and C Stoneworks, we’re happy to review your options to help you choose the right countertop material. Our team of designers can help you determine your needs to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Visit our showroom located at 6144 NC Hwy 43 South in Greenville, North Carolina, or call us today at 252-902-5535 to get started.

    Choosing the Right Stone for Your Outdoor Kitchen Counter

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    Outdoor kitchens are a great additional space for enjoying barbecues, birthday parties, or just family time. They are an extension of your home, and eastern North Carolina provides the perfect weather for you to enjoy cooking and hosting outside. If you are preparing to design an outdoor kitchen area, it is important to consider which type of countertop will work best for you. At C&C Stoneworks we want our customers to get the most out of their outdoor space, so we are here to help.

    Some countertop options are more fitting than others, depending on your outdoor space. Will it be exposed to all types of weather? Where will the outdoor kitchen be in your yard, and how much upkeep do you want to perform on the space?

    While marble and quartz are not the best options for an outdoor kitchen, here are some pluses and minuses of a few outdoor countertop choices.

    Granite

    Granite countertops are extremely durable and can withstand the outdoor elements. Weather and precipitation are no match for this resilient stone. Because of the pattern and composition of granite, it is low maintenance in that you do not have to constantly wipe it down to keep it clean, which makes it the perfect natural stone countertop for grilling and hosting friends in your outdoor kitchen.

    While granite has many benefits, it is durable and when properly maintained is not easily stained by moisture or sunlight, there are some things that need to be considered when selecting granite. Granite does require sealing and the sealing frequency will depend on the type of sealer used, and how much abuse the countertop gets, but you should expect to reseal it yearly.

    If possible, it is best to have the surface covered to protect from harsh exposure of sun, rain, and snow. If in direct sunlight, these counters can retain heat and feel hot to the touch – so covering your counter with a shade structure can help!

    Porcelain

    Porcelain is a practical and stylish option for your outdoor kitchen countertops. Porcelain is made of non-porous ceramic clay, and since it is manufactured under extremely high temperatures, it is a heat-resistant option that will hold up to years of use outdoors. It is also stain-resistant and exceptionally durable, able to withstand regular wear and tear as well as the effects of nature – all while mimicking the beautiful look of natural stone. Porcelain will also handle harsh temperature changes, which makes it a good option for climates where temperatures drop below freezing in the winter.

    The only drawback that needs to be considered is that porcelain is typically manufactured in thinner slabs than other natural stone options. This means your edge profile options will be limited.

    Whatever natural stone countertop style you prefer to use on your outdoor kitchen, C&C Stoneworks can help. We can help make recommendations based on the design, aesthetic, and maintenance that you are looking for in an outdoor kitchen. Visit our showroom and let our design specialist help you determine your options or call us today at 252-902-5535.

    Reasons Granite is Perfect for Your Outdoor Kitchen

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    One of the benefits of North Carolina’s weather is that you can use your outdoor kitchen just about all year long. If you are lucky enough to have the space and budget for an outdoor kitchen, then you know what a great investment one can be for your property.

    An outdoor kitchen is the perfect place to gather for a family cookout, or for a Labor Day party with friends. Whether you install a simple kitchen, an extravagant island, or extensive multi-functional kitchen, you need to make sure you implement durable yet beautiful materials in your design. And just because this kitchen is outdoors does not mean the countertops should be overlooked.

    When it comes to your outdoor kitchen, there are a few stone options that would work, however granite is considered the most ideal. Here are the reasons why you should pick granite countertops for your outdoor kitchen.

    Granite is Durable.

    Granite can withstand the extreme elements of nature, from rain, snow and sleet to heat. In addition to being durable, granite is also heat resistant, which means the exposure to a hot NC summer day will not be an issue. In fact, when the sun shines on your granite countertops, the depth and beauty of the granite is revealed.

    Granite is also well suited for an outdoor kitchen because you can build your countertop around pizza ovens and stoves. And, when properly and regularly sealed, granite repels rainwater, another plus for an outdoor kitchen!

    Granite also has non-scratch qualities. This is important because your outdoor countertops will surely receive their fair share of wear and tear. So, selecting something that can withstand heavy use without getting scratched or damaged is very important.

    Easily Maintained.

    Granite is very easy to clean and maintain. This means that you won’t have to do much more than wiping it down with a little soap and water to keep it looking great. Granite is not a host for harmful bacteria. It is considered a sanitary material which is a plus when you are prepping food on it. Just be sure to use a non-absorbent detergent to remove spills or dirt. And, as far as regular upkeep is concerned, you only need to seal it once a year and it will be protected from spills and the weather.

    Versatile and Beautiful.

    Granite comes in a wide variety of patterns and styles, so it’s simple to select something that will suit your overall style. Granite is a unique material that offers different specks and patterns that can be different in every slab. This means your slab will not look like your neighbors!

    Although we recommend the darker patterns, the possibilities are endless when it comes to the individual style and design of your granite. Plus, granite can be formed into any size or shape. So granite can work with your outdoor kitchen layout.

    Eco-friendly and Added Value.

    Since granite is a natural stone, it is 100% eco-friendly. So, for anyone who wants to do their part, granite is the perfect countertop material for outdoor use. Finally, an outdoor kitchen makes a beautiful addition to your home, and by using granite for your outside kitchen countertops, you will enjoy a beautiful, long-lasting, elegant material that will add value to your home.

    When you are ready to add an outdoor kitchen, contact the experts at C & C Stoneworks. We know granite countertops and can help you find the perfect slab for your outdoor kitchen. We can also make recommendations based on your kitchen structure, climate, shade availability, and the aesthetic you want to achieve with your outdoor kitchen. Get ready to have your dream outdoor kitchen, call C & C Stoneworks today at (252) 902-5535.

    The Best Countertops for Outdoor Kitchens

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    Outdoor kitchens are great for summer barbecues and cookouts on game days. With the mild weather we have here in eastern North Carolina, outdoor kitchens are especially great because they can be used almost all year around. When you’re designing your outdoor kitchen area, one very important thing shouldn’t be overlooked. No, it isn’t the grill (even though that is important too). It’s your countertop choice! You should keep in mind that not only will the counters have to withstand the same conditions as those in your home, but also the conditions outside like sunlight, temperature changes and weather. Here is a little more about a few options to help you determine the best countertops for your outdoor oasis.

    1. Quartz is a very durable material and comes in a wide variety of styles and colors, which may have you adding quartz to the top of your list for the best countertop option for your outdoor kitchen. But, while quartz countertops may handle the outdoors fine, the resins used in their construction may not be able to stand up to prolonged sun exposure without suffering damage. You will notice that the material will start to yellow over time.

    2. Marble: It may be hard for you to imagine that polished marble countertops wouldn’t be a good choice for your outdoor kitchen. But in reality, they can easily be damaged by outdoor elements. Porous stones, like marble, may look great at first but can be easily stained and your outdoor countertops could be left marked by grease. If you do decide to use marble for your outdoor kitchen countertops, we recommend a honed finish since rain, wind, snow and weather in general will wear away a shiny, polished finish.

    3. Granite countertops are hard to beat for all-around ease-of-use, durability and maintenance. That is why granite is at the top of our list for the best countertops for your outdoor kitchen. Granite is good at withstanding wear and tear, as well as hot, cold and wet conditions. With simple care and minimal maintenance, your granite countertops can stay looking great. However, some lighter color granites, like whites and light greys, have natural iron deposits in them. Because we have acid rain the iron deposits will begin to rust. So, you need to be mindful when choosing the color for your outside granite. Especially for outdoor countertops, C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC recommends sealing your countertops. This is a great idea no matter where they are used because sealing prevents stains.

    There you have it, a little more about some of your options for your outdoor kitchen. Granite is your safest bet, but it isn’t your only option. Contact the experts at C and C Stoneworks today .

    We can help you find the perfect material, color and style to make your outdoor space come alive. We’ll consider your outdoor kitchen structure, availability of shade, climate, and the amount of time and effort you’re willing to spend on maintenance. Our expert countertop installers will help you create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Get ready to fire up the grill!